Getting a Passport in Richland, WA: Step-by-Step Guide

By GovComplete Team • Published on:

Location: Richland, WA
Getting a Passport in Richland, WA: Step-by-Step Guide

Getting a Passport in Richland, WA

Important Disclaimer: Verify all fees, times, hours, and details on official sites like travel.state.gov, as they change frequently.

Richland, WA residents in Benton County frequently need passports for Tri-Cities business travel, Europe/Asia vacations, or WSU student exchanges. High outbound flights from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport drive seasonal peaks (March-August, December), with local facilities facing backlogs from urgent work or family needs. This guide streamlines the U.S. Department of State process [1], highlighting common pitfalls like 25-40% photo rejections or wrong forms (DS-11 vs. DS-82).

Preparation avoids delays: incomplete apps add weeks; always use the online wizard if unsure [3].

Determine Which Passport Service You Need

Mischoosing DS-11 (new/minor) vs. DS-82 (mail renewal) causes 15% rejections. DS-82 eligibility is narrow: adult passport issued at 16+, within 15 years, undamaged, received before 5 years pre-expiration, same signature. Otherwise, DS-11 in person.

Situation Form Where to Apply Key Notes & Common Mistakes
First-time or child <16 DS-11 In person No passport in 15 years; don't sign until agent; both parents for minors (50% rejection rate if missing) [1]
Eligible adult renewal DS-82 Mail Skip if damaged/lost; no name change without docs; 15% misuse [1]
Lost/stolen/damaged DS-5504 (<1 yr) or DS-11 + DS-64 Mail or in person Police report speeds; fees waived if <1 yr [1]
Name change/correction DS-5504 or DS-82 Mail Benton County marriage cert required [5]
Urgent (<14 days) DS-11 expedited Facility, then Seattle agency Itinerary proof; life-or-death for same-day [2]

Download unsigned forms [3]; minors always in-person.

Gather Required Documents

Birth certificates from WA DOH take 4 weeks [4]; order early. Photocopy originals front/back on 8.5x11 plain paper.

  • Citizenship (original + copy): WA DOH birth cert (not hospital), prior passport, naturalization cert.
  • ID (original + copy): WA driver's license/REAL ID, passport, military ID.
  • Minors: DS-3053 notarized if one parent absent.
  • Extras: Old passport (renewals), 2 photos.

Pitfall: Hospital birth summaries invalid; certified copies only.

Passport Photos: Avoid Rejections

Strict specs cause 1-in-4 returns [1]: 2x2", color, <6 months old, wh

ite/off-white background, 1-1⅜" head height, no glasses/selfies/shadows.

Do Don't
Professional lighting, neutral face Home prints (WA glare common), filters, hats (unless religious)
Matte photo paper, endorsed back Thick cardstock, smiles, uniforms

Tri-Cities options: CVS/Walgreens/USPS ($15-20; confirm service). State tool checks digital uploads [1].

Passport Acceptance Facilities Near Richland

No local agency—use routine facilities for DS-11/execution; Seattle (300 5th Ave) for urgent [2]. High Tri-Cities demand means book 4-6 weeks ahead via usps.com or iafdb.travel.state.gov [7][8]. Walk-ins rare.

Known facilities (verify current participation, hours, appointments via [8]):

  • Richland Post Office: 1101 Jadwin Ave, Richland, WA 99352. Phone: (509) 946-4721.
  • West Richland Post Office: 3717 W Van Giesen St, West Richland, WA 99353. Phone: (509) 967-2603.
  • Kennewick Post Office: 4202 W 27th Ave, Kennewick, WA 99337.
  • Benton County Auditor: 7122 W Okanogan Pl, Kennewick. Phone: (509) 736-1717 [5].

What to Expect: 15-45 min visit. Bring unsigned DS-11, docs, photos, fees. Staff reviews (may fix minor errors), witnesses signature, collects execution fee ($35 cash/check/card). No on-site passports—mailed later. Busiest: Mon mid-day, peaks (summer/holidays). Early weekdays best; text alerts for slots.

Mail renewals to: National Passport Processing Center, PO Box 90155, Philadelphia, PA 19190-0155 [1].

For maps, search "passport acceptance facility near Richland, WA" on Google Maps.

Step-by-Step Checklist for In-Person (DS-11) Applications

  1. Fill unsigned DS-11 [3].
  2. Gather docs/photos (2 endorsed).
  3. Book slot [7][8].
  4. Calc/pay fees (separate checks).
  5. Arrive early; agent reviews/signs.
  6. Track after 7-10 days [1].
  7. Receive in 6-8 weeks (routine).

Renewals: Mail DS-82 kit with prepaid tracked envelope.

Fees and Payment

Verify current fees [1]; listed as 2024 reference.

Fee Amount To
Adult book $130 State Dept.
Minor book $100 State Dept.
Execution $35 Facility
Expedite +$60 State Dept.
1-2 day delivery $21.36 USPS

Adult first-time total: ~$165. Money order for State fee at USPS; no personal checks [7]. Cards optional for execution.

Processing Times and Expedited Options

Routine: 6-8 weeks. Expedite: 2-3 weeks (+$60). WA peaks add 1-2 weeks [1].

  • <14 days: Facility first, then 1-877-487-2778 for Seat

tle (itinerary req'd) [2].

  • 14-28 days: Expedite only.
  • Track: passportstatus.state.gov. 20% delays in summer.

Common Challenges and Tips for Washington Residents

  • Wrong form: 15% DS-82 attempts fail eligibility.
  • Photos/docs: Shadows/incompletes reject 25-50%.
  • Slots: Tri-Cities book 30-60 days out.
  • Minors: Parental consent trips 1-in-2.

Local tips: WA DOH birth certs early [4]; certified mail renewals; fall apps beat peaks; Seattle drive (3 hrs) for urgent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Same-day in Richland? No; Seattle life-or-death only [2].

Mail renewal time? 6-8/2-3 weeks; track well [1].

Urgent minor/school trip? DS-11 expedite; 3-6 mo validity common [1].

Benton County services? Auditor possible—call [5][8].

WA REAL ID OK? Yes [1].

Lost abroad? DS-64 + DS-11 on return [1].

Name change? County cert + DS-5504 [5].

USPS photos? Accept pro ones; CVS nearby [6].

Sources

[1] U.S. Department of State - Passports
[2] U.S. Department of State - Expedited Service
[3] U.S. Department of State - Passport Forms
[4] Washington State DOH - Vital Records
[5] Benton County Auditor
[6] U.S. Department of State - Photos
[7] USPS Passports
[8] State Dept. Facility Search

AK

Aaron Kramer

Passport Services Expert & Founder

Aaron Kramer is the founder of GovComplete and a passport services expert with over 15 years of experience in the U.S. passport industry. Throughout his career, Aaron has helped thousands of travelers navigate the complexities of passport applications, renewals, and expedited processing. His deep understanding of State Department regulations, acceptance facility operations, and emergency travel documentation has made him a trusted resource for both first-time applicants and seasoned travelers. Aaron's mission is to make government services accessible and stress-free for everyone.

15+ Years Experience Expedited Processing State Dept. Regulations